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Harry Roque, Cassandra Ong Face Non-Bailable Trafficking Charges
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Harry Roque Faces Human Trafficking Charges in POGO Case
Table of Contents
Manila, Philippines – Former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque is facing serious allegations.He has been formally charged with qualified human trafficking in connection with a raided Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) in Porac, Pampanga. The charges were filed April 28 at the Angeles City Regional Trial Court (RTC). [1], [2], [3]
Key Players Charged
- Harry Roque: Former presidential spokesperson, now seeking asylum in the Netherlands.
- Cassandra Ong: Alleged owner,officer,or key employee of Whirlwind and Lucky South 99 POGO.
- 48 Others: Allegedly owners, officers, or key employees of Whirlwind and Lucky South 99 POGO.
- Duanren Wu: Ong’s godfather, also charged and currently in hiding.
- Dennis Cunanan: Former government official linked to the pork barrel scam, consultant for Lucky South 99.
The Charges
The charges against Roque and the others stem from their alleged involvement with Lucky South 99, a POGO accused of running a scam farm that trafficked workers. Prosecutors assert that the crime was committed by a syndicate and in large scale, as it was carried out by a group of 3 or more persons conspiring and confederating with another.
This qualifies it under Section 6 of the Anti-Trafficking Act, making it a non-bailable offense.
Did you know? Qualified trafficking, as defined under Section 6(c) of the Anti-Trafficking Act, involves offenses committed by more than three people against more than three victims.
Roque, who is currently seeking asylum in the Netherlands, has acknowledged lawyering for Whirlwind in an ejectment case and assisting Ong in meetings with the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (pagcor) to renew Lucky South's POGO license. However, Roque, a law professor, has maintained that these actions do not constitute trafficking.
my inclusion in the charges, let me underscore, is just an afterthought.
Harry Roque
Prosecutors allege that Roque gained/profited
from aggressively pursuing the renewal of the supposed IGL [Internet Gaming License] of Lucky South 99.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) resolution, dated April 7, states that Roque knowingly facilitated or contributed to the activities for the purpose of organizing the trafficking or exploitation of workers.
Legal Hurdles and International Implications
A judge in Angeles will now determine if there is probable cause to issue an arrest warrant for roque, Ong, and the others. If a warrant is issued, the philippine government will face the challenge of enforcing it against Roque, who is in The Hague undergoing asylum application procedures based on claims of political persecution. It is crucial to note that there is no extradition treaty between the Philippines and the Netherlands.
Ong's Involvement and Denial
Cassandra Ong has denied running the POGO before the House quad committee, despite documents indicating she is the representative of Lucky South. A CCTV operator's affidavit stated that Ong was the day-to-day manager of Lucky South and was often referred to as the big boss.
The employee identified Ong's godfather, Duanren Wu, as the true big boss.
wu is currently in hiding and also faces charges.
Pro Tip: Understanding the corporate structure and key personnel involved in POGOs is crucial for identifying and prosecuting human trafficking cases.
Dennis Cunanan, a former government official linked to the pork barrel scam and a consultant for Lucky South 99 in its Pagcor dealings, is also charged. This is Ong's first court charge, as she was previously dropped from the money laundering case against alice Guo in Bamban, Tarlac. She was released from house detention just before christmas 2024.
FAQ: Human Trafficking Case Against Harry Roque
- What are the charges against Harry Roque?
- he is charged with qualified human trafficking.
- Where was the POGO located?
- Porac, Pampanga.
- Is the offense bailable?
- no, it is a non-bailable offense under Section 6 of the Anti-Trafficking Act.
- Where is Harry Roque now?
- He is in the Netherlands seeking asylum.
- Who else is charged in the case?
- Cassandra Ong, Duanren Wu, Dennis Cunanan, and 48 others.
